Analysing Horror Still Shot

1. Describe your shot and identify in what way it could be seen as representing ‘horror’
This shot that we created could represent horror, mainly for the use of lighting and expression, which are key elements in the genre. The medium shot includes a boy (victim) in a dark room who is extremely scared of something, however we do not show the audience what that is. It is left to the audience’s imagination to identify the second character; however we did use a claw/monster hand created in a shadow to add to the horror element of the shot. The positioning and size of the hand is quite distorted to look unnatural, which immediately connotes something scary and something to be feared of. The reaction of the boy, with his action code and facial expression add to the fear. The shot is also quite tightly framed and dark, in order to create the shadows, however it is still clear enough to see the character.

2. What did you actually do to achieve the effect?
To achieve the effects, we used different techniques. For the setting, we found a dark area and plain wall to place the actor against. We then shone one light from underneath the victim and one from further, on the right side. This light was used to create the shadow, which was created with someone’s hand in a weird position, to make it seem larger and distorted. The actor then made a scared facial expression and hand gesture to add to the effect of horror.

3. What is successful about your shot?
In representing horror, I think our shot is quite successful. It creates the feeling of fear and apprehension within the audience, which is important in horrors. The expression of the actor clearly represents this feeling, which immediately shows the audience that they are scared. As well as the expression of the actor, their action code and hand gesture also shows the fright. The use of low key lighting means shadows could be cast on the actor, adding to the sinister atmosphere of the shot. Also the fact that it is a dark room brings in the element of mystery and tension as the audience are unaware of what will happen next. We also created a shadow in the shape of a monster hand, which the audience would identify as the enemy, and the man in the shot as the victim; therefore there is a sense of two characters. The shot is also quite tightly framed, which connotes entrapment and the feeling of claustrophobia. All of these points help the shot look scary and contribute to the elements of the genre of horror.

4. What would you do differently in hindsight?
In hindsight, I would make some changes in order to improve the effect of the shot. I would have used more lighting, or more powerful lights on the face, in order to create a stronger contrast in light in the shot. Increasing the lighting would have also made the shot slightly clearer and therefore easier for the audience to see the character’s expression. This would have made the shot more intense. I would have also liked to make the setting and character slightly more dramatic by using make-up and props. I also could have changed the angle of the shot to make it more distorted and unusual.